FAQ's

Do I have to be a good swimmer to join the club?

No. We have members of all ages and levels. However, if you can already swim one width; you are interested in competitive swimming or water polo and you're looking for a club to join, look no further. We will make you better. Come along for a free trial. We will assess you and place you in the right group for your ability.

 

When do swimmers move between squads?

Coaches decide on movement of swimmers between the various groups based on continuous assessment during training.

 

Can I pay by Direct Debit?

Yes, many people do and it's much easier. If you are interested, please speak to anyone on the table on Tuesday, Friday or Sunday evenings or contact the club secretary at any time.

 

Can I buy equipment through the club?

Yes, you can buy a variety of swim wear and accessories such as club costumes, hats, tracksuits, sweatshirts, club kit bags etc through the club shop. If we haven't got it in stock, we can usually order it.

 

What are the club colours?

Club colours are blue.

 

What does age on 31st December mean?

Most galas are run for swimmers of different age groups in two-year age bands such as Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Open. If a gala is run on an 'age on 31st December' basis, it refers to how old the swimmer must be on the 31st December in the year of competition. It does not necessarily mean the age of the swimmer on the day of the competition. Thus under 12 on 31st December 2007, means no older than 11 on that date and so the swimmer must be born in or after 1996. Similarly, Under 11 on 31st December 2007 means no older than 10 and so the swimmer must be born in 1997 or later. Some events are 'age on the day' and this is self explanatory.

 

What does U12, U14 U16, Open mean?

Most galas are run for swimmers of different age groups such as Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Open though some galas refer to 11/U (11& Under), 13/U (13&Under) 15/U (15&Under) and Open. Both mean the same thing.

 

What is HDW?

HDW stands for 'Heat Declared Winners'. This means that event winners are 'declared' from the performance in the heats without having to swim a final.

 

How are teams selected for galas?

Teams are selected for galas on their current form and we try very hard to ensure everyone is given the chance to compete in some galas throughout the year. Some friendly galas are defined as 'B' galas and these give us the chance to try out swimmers who may not normally get a swim.

How do I find out what times I have achieved?

After each gala or club event, individual times and positions of each swimmer are displayed on the club notice board at Lux Park Leisure Centre and also put onto the Fixtures section of this web site.  However, to safeguard the privacy of members, you will need a username and password to be able to view them.

 

What is a PB?

PB stands for personal best. It is the best time an individual has achieved for a particular stroke at a given distance. The club does its best to record swimmers times and PBs.